The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased susceptibility to dermatophytes.

METHODS

In this study, we determined the prevalence of cutaneous fungal infection in a cohort of HIV-infected patients and HIV-negative controls, and examined the factors associated with an increased risk of infection.

RESULTS

Using a multiple regression analysis, we found that the strongest independent predictor of cutaneous fungal infection in both groups was a self-reported history of homosexual sex. There was no relationship between HIV infection or reduced CD4 count and the prevalence of dermatophyte infection.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection is not independently associated with an increased risk of cutaneous fungal disease.